Atletico Madrid are all set to battle it out with Arsenal and Chelsea for the services of 22-year-old Villarreal star Alex Baena.
According to a report by Fichajes, Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, and Chelsea are all looking to bolster their attack ahead of next season and they have their eyes set on Villarreal star Alex Baena. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has had an impressive rise, and all three clubs are keen on having him in their ranks.
Baena’s impressive rise
Baena joined the Villarreal youth ranks in the summer of 2017. He went up the ranks at some pace and made it to their first team in the summer of 2020. Following an impressive loan spell at Girona in the 2021/22 season, he slowly started getting regular first-team minutes.
Of late, he has been an integral part of their team. In the ongoing season, the 22-year-old attacking midfielder has contributed towards 18 goals in his 37 outings. He has five goals and 13 assists to his name.
Baena’s impressive rise has not gone unnoticed, and multiple clubs are expected to knock on Villarreal’s door in the summer to sign the Spanish gem. The Spanish club managed to extend his contract at the start of last year, his new deal now runs until the summer of 2028.
Arsenal and Chelsea are keen on Alex Baena
While Villarreal did increase his release clause to €35 million, it is still unlikely to keep him at the club. Arsenal and Chelsea are two Premier League outfits that would love to have him in their ranks. The Blues’ new project revolves around young stars, and they feel Baena could be a great addition to their ranks.
As far as the Gunners are concerned, they need someone who can provide cover for their skipper Martin Odegaard. Baena will not only provide the much-needed support, but he is capable enough to feature on the flanks as well as a central midfielder, which will be a big boost for Mikel Arteta and his team.
Atletico Madrid to battle the English club
While Arsenal and Chelsea are keen, they will have to battle it out with Atletico Madrid. Diego Simeone is looking at ways to bolster his attack, and he feels the 22-year-old could help their cause. The Argentine manager is a huge admirer of the 22-year-old and wants him in his ranks starting next season.
His versatility will be a huge boost for them and his attacking threat will help them get back to their best. With English clubs in the mix, it will be interesting to see if Atletico Madrid have the financial strength to outpower the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea in the race to the signature of Baena and keep him in La Liga.
